Dallas may be famous for its steaks and Tex-Mex, but the city’s love affair with seafood is second to none. The first time I wandered into a Dallas seafood spot, I expected comfort food—but found fresh oysters shucked on the spot, Gulf fish so flaky it barely survived the walk from kitchen to table, and diners who cared as much about snapper as barbecue. The city’s seafood scene surprises with quality, variety, and the kind of Southern hospitality that makes every meal feel like an occasion.
Finding the best seafood in Dallas is an adventure in itself. The choices range from elegant dining rooms to quirky local joints, each with its own take on what makes seafood great. Whether you’re seeking a perfect whole fish, buttery crab, or just want to see what Dallas does with shrimp, you’re in the right place. No need to wade through endless menus or risk a disappointing dinner—this guide takes you to the top tables. Get ready to explore the very best the city has to offer, one delicious bite at a time.
1. Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab – Dallas
Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab in Uptown Dallas brings fine dining and sustainability together under one roof. My first visit felt like entering a club where great seafood and warm service are the rules. Each dish arrives with a level of care that’s rare in a city brimming with steakhouses.
The star here is the Florida Stone Crab, served fresh during its October–May season. Cracked tableside, these sweet claws arrive chilled, paired with a classic mustard sauce. The snapper, delivered flaky and bright, is another must-try, as is the cedar-planked salmon.
The kitchen doesn’t rely on gimmicks—just excellent sourcing and expert technique. With sides like spicy broccolini or parmesan mashed potatoes, the experience feels both indulgent and refined. For a true Dallas seafood night out, Truluck’s consistently delivers.
2. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen on Lombardy Lane feels like a lively slice of Louisiana in the middle of Dallas. The energy hits you as soon as you walk in and the scent of Cajun spices follows you to your table. Every meal here feels like a celebration—big flavors, big portions, and plenty of friendly chatter.
The menu is New Orleans-style, and the shrimp and grits set the tone with lively Creole flavor. Don’t skip the blackened catfish, either; they get the seasoning just right, with a bold crust and tender finish. Fried alligator is another highlight for the adventurous, but there’s always plenty of classic Gulf shrimp and fresh seasonal fish to choose from.
Pappadeaux stands out by delivering crowd-pleasing comfort and finesse in every dish. It’s the sort of place where you linger over the last bite, already planning your next visit.
3. Ocean Prime
Ocean Prime delivers the full package: elegant dining, a buzzing bar, and memorable seafood in the heart of Uptown Dallas. On my first visit, the service was so polished, you’d think you were a regular from the start. Warm lighting and plush booths make it just as suitable for a special dinner as for an important business lunch.
The seafood towers are a showstopper, brimming with ultra-fresh crab, shrimp, and lobster. For something more refined, try the sea bass—expertly cooked, with a miso glaze that adds subtle sweetness. The Chilean sea bass, especially, is one dish to remember.
Every plate here reflects a chef’s touch without feeling fussy. Whether you’re there for sushi or a classic fish entrée, Ocean Prime consistently blends sophistication and comfort with every flavorful bite.
4. S & D Oyster Co
S & D Oyster Co feels like a Dallas tradition, where the vibe is casual but the seafood is top-notch. Every visit starts with that unmistakable aroma of the sea and a menu that reads like a love letter to the Gulf Coast.
The oysters here are the real deal. Go for them raw if you’re craving freshness or order them broiled for a melt-in-your-mouth treat. I’ve found the shrimp—fried or boiled—to be just as satisfying, tender, and simply seasoned.
There’s no fuss, just reliable classics served with pride. S & D’s approach is simple: keep the focus on top-quality ingredients and let the flavors speak for themselves. For straightforward, satisfying seafood, this is one Dallas spot that never disappoints.
5. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
+1 972-425-0087
See Menu
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen at DFW Airport is where travelers swap flight delays for a true southern feast. Even with a suitcase in tow, a quick stop here turns airport dining into something worth savoring. The bustle of the terminal fades, replaced by a bit of Louisiana hospitality and lively plates.
The seafood gumbo is a must—hearty and deeply flavored, with a generous helping of shrimp and okra. The blackened catfish comes with that signature Pappadeaux seasoning, bold without overpowering. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the fresh catch salads deliver plenty of zing.
Pappadeaux sets itself apart by bringing quality and comfort to an unexpected location. It’s not just a meal between flights; it’s a reason to look forward to layovers at Terminal C.
6. The Oceanaire Seafood Room
The Oceanaire Seafood Room pairs old-school elegance with today’s obsession for the freshest catch. Step inside and you’ll notice the servers glide by, balancing platters of iced shellfish and perfectly plated entrées. It’s refined but never stuffy, with a buzz that puts you right at ease.
The daily selection of market fish is the headline act—delivered fresh from around the globe and prepared simply to spotlight each flavor. The jumbo lump crab cakes are worth planning your order around; they’re packed with crab and never weighed down with filler. Try the steamed mussels or grilled sea bass for a taste of how well the kitchen lets the seafood shine.
Oceanaire stands out by making top-tier seafood feel welcoming and special, all in one sitting.
7. Cafe Pacific
Cafe Pacific blends time-honored charm with the comfort of a favorite neighborhood destination. My first visit was marked by polished brass, welcoming staff, and a dining room that feels as refined as it does relaxed. It’s a special spot, yet you never feel out of place.
The seafood is the star—Gulf snapper and trout prepared with a light hand, letting their freshness lead. The lobster salad is a standout, served chilled and tossed with crisp greens, while the seafood bisque shows just how creamy and delicate a soup can be.
Cafe Pacific stands out for balancing old-school Dallas elegance with unfussy, delicious cuisine. Each dish is a reminder that simple preparations, skilled hands, and top ingredients make all the difference.
8. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen on Oak Lawn Avenue captures the spirit of New Orleans with every plate. The place is always humming, whether it’s lunchtime with colleagues or a late-night dinner after exploring the city. Warm service and an energizing buzz define each visit.
The seafood étouffée is rich and generous, loaded with shrimp and subtle Creole heat. I keep going back for the shrimp and grits—comforting, perfectly seasoned, and unmistakably Southern. The grilled redfish, with its herbal crust and tender bite, is another gem if you crave something lighter.
Pappadeaux never skimps on flavor or hospitality. Each meal celebrates bold seasoning and hearty tradition, making this a true Dallas favorite when you want seafood with a side of Southern cheer.
9. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
+1 972-615-3508
See Menu
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen at DFW’s Terminal A is the kind of airport restaurant you wish you found in every city. Amid the travel rush, it offers a hearty, comforting escape—one that feels more like a celebration than a quick stop.
The shrimp po’ boy is a clear favorite, stacked high with crispy shrimp and dressed in tangy remoulade. Their seafood platters, loaded with broiled or grilled options, make it easy to recharge with something fresh and flavorful. Gumbo makes a strong showing too, perfect for shaking off travel fatigue.
Pappadeaux proves airport dining can be both delicious and memorable. Here, every dish is bold, every portion is generous, and every layover is a little more enjoyable than you’d expect.
10. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen on Dallas Parkway delivers southern comfort in generous portions, every time. The vibe is festive—families gather for brunch, friends meet for dinner, and there’s always something sizzling from the open kitchen.
Start with the jumbo shrimp cocktail, chilled and perfectly snappy, before moving to classic Cajun favorites. The catfish Opelousas stands out: seasoned well, served with lemony butter, and paired with tender veggies. If you’re hungry, the seafood platters pile it all on without missing a beat.
It’s hard not to feel at home here. Pappadeaux’s blend of friendly service and bold flavors turns any meal into a celebration, whether you’re a first-timer or a regular at the table.
More Things to Try in Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best seafood restaurants in Dallas, TX?
Dallas boasts standout spots like Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab, Ocean Prime, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Each offers a different vibe and menu, but all serve up fresh, high-quality seafood.
Where can I find fresh oysters in Dallas?
For top-notch oysters, try S & D Oyster Co, Aw Shucks, and Big Shucks Oyster Bar. These spots are known for Gulf Coast oysters served raw, broiled, or grilled, depending on your mood.
Are there casual seafood options in Dallas?
Absolutely. Hook Line & Sinker, Flying Fish, and Fish City Grill all offer laid-back atmospheres, affordable prices, and crowd-pleasing favorites like catfish, shrimp, and seafood baskets.
Do Dallas seafood restaurants offer gluten-free or vegetarian options?
Many of the city’s top seafood restaurants, such as Ocean Prime, Truluck’s, and Cafe Pacific, have gluten-free and vegetarian choices. Always check the menu or ask the staff for details.
Where can I get Cajun-style seafood in Dallas?
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is known for its Southern and Cajun-inspired dishes like blackened catfish, seafood gumbo, and étouffée, combining bold flavors with genuine hospitality.
Which seafood restaurants are best for celebrations?
For a special occasion, try Truluck’s, Ocean Prime, or The Oceanaire Seafood Room. These spots provide elegant spaces, top-tier service, and great wine lists to make any celebration memorable.
